Astrophysics & Astrophotography

Dr. Travis A. Rector

Abell 3827

Abell 3827 is a relatively nearby cluster of galaxies. The central region of Abell 3827 is dominated by the central supermassive galaxy (ESO 146-IG 005). It is clearly visible among its cluster companions, as well as the remains of at least four nuclei that are being digested by the large galaxy. The central galaxy is thought to be the most massive galaxy in our local universe (out to about 1.5 billion light years). It is about 20 times larger than our own galaxy, the Milky Way.